Charges possible after children, dogs found in Channelview home

Updated 1:48 pm, Friday, June 28, 2013

Four children and more than a dozen dogs were taken Thursday afternoon from a home in Channelview, officials said.

The children, who range in age from about 6 to 17, were removed about 4 p.m. from a home in the 1800 block of Dominic because of concerns about health and hygiene conditions, officials said.Investigators say home owner Kenneth Battles was possibly breeding German shepherds in his house, and the SPCA was called in to investigate.

KTRK spoke with Battle who disputed the claims to reporters. He did admit he was training the animals, but didn't elaborate for what purpose. Officials say charges are possible in the case.

The dogs were taken by animal control officials.

"No food, no water. The inside of that home was deplorable. It's not a place to raise children," Harris County Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen told reporters on scene.

While the investigation continues, the children will be staying with their paternal grandmother, said CPS spokesperson Estella Olguin. They were not taken into CPS custody.